Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 6.13

“Holding body, head, and neck erect, steady, gazing at the nosetip, not looking around.”
Key Teaching: Proper posture and gaze aid meditative focus.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Dhyana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna instructs a yogi to hold the body, head, and neck erect and steady, gazing at the nosetip without looking around, during meditation. This verse, continuing 6.12, addresses Arjuna’s lack of discipline (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he details meditative posture, and Dhyana Yoga, as he emphasizes focus, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s mental unrest (1.28–46) reflects physical and mental distraction. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s restless actions (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to adopt meditative posture for his Kshtriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 5.27).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human need for physical discipline, a theme Krishna refines with meditative practices (5.27–28). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance for focused meditation. The theme of Dhyana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on disciplined meditation.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its practical clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s distractions, where posture aids focus. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with meditative discipline, aligning with liberation.